2009 wrangler unlimited x, solid jeep?

Hi everyone! New member here in the process of buying an 09 wrangler unlimited x with less than 100000k on it. Just wanting any info on this modle's issues and any recommended upgrades to solve or improve weak areas of the jeep. Think I might have found a great deal, checking it out tomorrow so I'll have more info on it soon.

 

Welcome to the forum dude @COroamer.
There's a site, that escapes me at the moment. That you can search for recalls on your Jeep.
As far as upgrades. There's a shit load of answers. What are you looking to do? Hard core trails to Mall Crawler?
So if you have alot of expendable cash. First off. You can send some my way. Or you can expand on your Jeep canvas.
Just empty every pocket.

 

If stock and well maintained it should be a nice JKU. Some jeepers wish the 3.8 had more power so make sure its got enough for your daily commute. On the trails the 3.8 should be fine as low speeds and torque are more important. Power issues crop up with increased tire size thats not followed up with proper gear upgrades. Comparison shop similar JKUs in your area, carfax, inspect the frame for extensive rust or on/off-road mishaps to make sure this is the right one.

 

Thanks man! I wish I had a bunch of cash my budget is 15k lol. I'm looking to make it the best rig I can while being able to commute in it as well.

 

It has some upgrades, hard to tell if it's been lifted or just has oversized tires but I'll know soon enough. What gear upgrades would you recommend? Would adding a supercharger or even just a cold air intake help with power? I honestly could live with poor acceleration my last car was a 2004 Subaru so I'm use to that

 

Gear upgrades depend upon the desired tire size. No to the CAI and tentatively no to the SC unless funds and skill prevail. K.I.S.S. rules the day!

 

be happy KISS.

Also welcome to the forum -

let us know - auto or manual, any mods, any issues, and any questions...

 

I'm unfamiliar with KISS haha

 

Thanks! Its an automatic, the guy selling it posted minimal info on craigslist so I'm hoping to know more after I meet up with him today.

 

I figured out what KISS means lol good advice probably overthinking it

 

UPDATE:
I inspected the best I could with out jacking it up, no red flags. Did notice a surprising lack of power when accelerating. However, when I got it to the highway and started to hit 50mph the steering kinda went loose and side to side, the jeep started move around in the lane I pulled off at the next exit and I went away.

From what I've read I believe it was a sign of the death wobble. It wasnt a full loss of control but definitely got the adrenaline pumping. Should I just walk away or is it worth fixing? I'd want a permanent fix but I'm not sure if that's even possible. Maybe beefier steering components would permanently prevent it?

 

always have the option to walk away...

Suggest you
tell seller that you are interested AFTER they correct the issue.
have a professional alignment shop look at the jeep. You want a guaranty they can repair it.

If seller balks on both - back to shopping.

If it was inexpensive they would have addressed the issue in an attempt to get top dollar.

 

I agree with that completely. I think that the owner knows very little about the jeep, it has a lien on it and he bought just over a year ago from the guy that actually modified it. From my conversation with him it seems like a young guy who liked the look and got in over his head as far as payments go. I mentioned the wobble to him and he thought it was just because of the big tires. He could also just be trying to trick me but he seemed to not have much mechanical knowledge of his jeep, did have serviced records and receipts from the last owner for all the components he added.

 

1st question - what is the lien amt, and local selling price for wrangler 4dr, be sure there are several specialty jeep accessory installers in area, price to rebuild front suspension do the math and its 'lets make a deal' -

 

Hes asking 14k there are quite a few local shops in the area that have jeep experts, asked about the lein amount and he just said he as enough to pay it off before I buy it.

 

IMO it's got a few nice mods but my focus is the questionable front end issues. Before spending big bucks keep that in mind as well as the liens as the bank owns it. Could be trail damage, accidents, low-end lift parts, worn parts, incorrect combo of parts or simply tire+alignment issue. Test drive a few more to get a feel of a proper jeep.

 

Yea before I purchase anything I get it inspected, had to walk away from a pretty nice rig because it had a lot of little things that needed replacing, adds up fast. Out of curiosity what peoples thoughts on an 07 Rubicon with almost 170,000 miles on it? Its 3,000 under my budget and is loaded with high quality parts I think it's cheaper because of the milage.